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Arts + Culture

Shiller’s major projects

What went down in Uptown during 46th Ward Ald. Helen Shiller’s 24-year watch.

By Kari Lydersen

Photo: Ashley Esposito

Wilson Yard Development (Broadway and Montrose Ave)
Completed in summer 2010
For more than a decade the battle over Uptown’s identity has played out around Wilson Yard, a once-vacant parcel adjacent to the Wilson Red Line El station. Mayor Daley even supported Shiller, his most outspoken City Hall critic, in her plans to redevelop the parcel with TIF (tax increment financing) money. Opponents sued, alleging Shiller’s affordable housing plans were a misuse of taxpayer funds and a scheme to bring in more poor people who’d vote for her. Today the nearly $150 million development features affordable housing and a Target that opened last summer, but only about half of the other commercial spaces are filled.

February 16, 2011

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ugh, schiller has left uptown 20 yrs behind where it COULD have been. every single neighborhood around us has flourished beyond our dreams. yes we have a Target, but is it safe to walk to that Target? NOPE. also only At&t have signs up in the other commercial spaces, no other businesses are there. additionally, if you look north to the Wilson el stop, voted the worst by this magazine and yelp, among many others, those storefronts have been vacant as well for years. the cta kicked out the mom and pop quickmart and the crappy popeyes, but has yet to get other businesses in they urine smelling storefronts. GREAT job Schiller. almost. goodbye!

By Anonymous (not verified) on 2/16/2011 at 2:15 pm

"if you look north to the Wilson el stop, voted the worst by this magazine and yelp, among many others" Primarily due to ballot stuffing encouraged by Uptown Update. And the name is "Shiller." Everyone knows that Schiller is a street next to Goethe!

By FGFM (not verified) on 2/16/2011 at 3:52 pm

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